Boasting a world-class art collection, special art exhibitions and 2.5 acres of historic Gardens, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens offers something for everyone. Additionally the Museum houses the Café at the Cummer and the Cummer Shop.
Art
The Museum’s art collection includes nearly 5,000 works of art spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century. Highlights in the Cummer’s permanent collection include masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Martin Johnson Heade, , Thomas Moran, Norman Rockwell, Romare Bearden, , Gilbert Stuart and John Twachtman. Of particular importance is the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain, one of the most outstanding collections of its kind.
Gardens
After you have explored the Museum, spend some time wandering in the Gardens, idyllically located on the banks of the St. Johns River. The Cummer Gardens are over 100 years old and boast a colorful past. Designed by some of the foremost names in landscape design and horticulture, including Ossian Cole Simonds, Ellen Biddle Shipman, Thomas Meehan and Sons, and the fabled Olmsted Firm, the gardens are of national significance. Throughout the year, the Gardens are ablaze with interesting horticultural specimens. Reflection pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments and sculptures throughout the gardens add intrigue and complement the art collection housed within the Museum’s building.
The Italian Garden
At the heart of the Cummer Gardens is the Italian Garden, one of few existing gardens designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman. Completed in 1931, the Italian Garden is a display garden featuring Italian marble garden ornaments and hundreds of azaleas. Two long reflection pools frame the view to the ficus-covered gloriette and Italian fountain, resembling the famous water gardens at the Villa Gamberaia in Tuscany.
Café at the Cummer
Enjoy a quick bite or light lunch at the Café at the Cummer. The Café’s menu features homemade soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as a selection of cold and hot beverages.
Shop the Cummer Store
Be sure to stop by the Cummer Store. Artwork by local artists, a selection of wearable art, toys, books, cards, prints, and home and garden wares are available to purchase.
- The Cummer Museum is ADA compliant. Wheelchairs are available for use from the front desk.
- Do not forget your camera. Personal, non-flash photography is permitted in the Cummer Museum’s Permanent Collection and in the Gardens.. Flash photography is permitted only in the Gardens.
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens regularly hosts special exhibitions that support its mission to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens and education.